Encyclopedia of

Voyeurism

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Definition

Voyeurism is a psychosexual disorder in which a person derives sexual
pleasure and gratification from looking at the naked bodies and genital
organs or observing the sexual acts of others. The voyeur is usually
hidden from view of others. Voyeurism is a form of paraphilia.

A variant form of voyeurism involves listening to erotic conversations.
This is commonly referred to as telephone sex, although it is usually
considered voyeurism primarily in the instance of listening to
unsuspecting persons.

Description

The object of voyeurism is to observe unsuspecting individuals who are
naked, in the process of undressing or engaging in sexual acts. The person
being observed is usually a stranger to the observer. The act of looking
or peeping is undertaken for the purpose of achieving sexual excitement.
The observer generally does not seek to have sexual contact or activity
with the person being observed.

If orgasm is sought, it is usually achieved through masturbation. This may
occur during the act of observation or later, relying on the memory of the
act that was observed.

Frequently, a voyeur may have a fantasy of engaging in sexual activity
with the person being observed. In reality, this fantasy is rarely
consummated.

A number of states have statutes that render voyeurism a crime. Such
statutes vary widely regarding definitions of voyeurism. Most states
specifically prohibit anyone from photographing or videotaping another
person, without consent, while observing that person in the privacy of his
home or some other private place.

Causes and symptoms

Causes

There is no scientific consensus concerning the basis for voyeurism. Most
experts attribute the behavior to an initially random or accidental
observation of an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of
disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity. Successive repetitions of the
act tend to reinforce and perpetuate the voyeuristic behavior.

Symptoms

The act of voyeurism is the observation of an unsuspecting person who is
naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity that
provides sexual arousal. To be clinically diagnosed, the symptoms must
include the following elements:

fantasies, urges, or behaviors that cause significant distress to an
individual or are disruptive of his or her everyday functioning.

Demographics

Voyeurism is apparently more common in men, but does occasionally occur in
women. However, the prevalence of voyeurism is not known. Contemporary
U.S. society is increasingly voyeuristic (as in the example of "real"
television); however
diagnosis
is made only when this is a preferred or exclusive means of sexual
gratification.

The onset of voyeuristic activity is usually prior to the age of 15 years.
There are no reliable statistics pertaining to the incidence of voyeurism
in adulthood.

Diagnosis

According to the mental health professional's handbook,
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
, two criteria are required to make a diagnosis of voyeurism:

Over a period of at least six months, an individual must experience
recurrent, intense, sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or
behaviors that involve the act of observing an unsuspecting person who
is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity.

The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors must cause clinically
significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other
important areas of functioning.

In order for a condition to be labeled "voyeurism," the fantasies, urges,
or behaviors to watch other persons must cause significant distress in the
individual or be disruptive to his or her everyday functioning.

Treatments

For treatment to be successful, a voyeur must want to modify existing
patterns of behavior. This initial step is difficult for most voyeurs to
admit and then take. Most must be compelled to accept treatment. This may
often be the result of a court order.

Behavioral therapy is commonly used to try to treat voyeurism. The voyeur
must learn to control the impulse to watch non-consenting victims, and
just as importanly to acquire more acceptable means of sexual
gratification. Outcomes of behavioral therapy are not known. There are no
direct drug treatments for voyeurism.

Voyeurism is a criminal act in many jurisdictions. It is usually
classified as a misdemeanor. As a result, legal penalties are often minor.
The possibility of exposure and embarrassment may deter some voyeurs. It
is also not easy to prosecute voyeurs as intent to watch is difficult to
prove. In their defense statements, they usually claim that the
observation was accidental.

Prognosis

Once voyeuristic activity is undertaken, it commonly does not stop. Over
time, it may become the main form
of sexual gratification for the voyeur. Its course tends to be chronic.

The prognosis for eliminating voyeurism is poor because most voyeurs have
no desire to change their pattern of behavior. Since voyeurism involves
non-consenting partners and is against the law in many jurisdictions, the
possibility of embarrassment may deter some individuals.

Prevention

Most experts agree that providing guidance regarding behavior that is
culturally acceptable will prevent the development of a paraphilia such as
voyeurism. The origin of some instances of voyeurism may be accidental
observation with subsequent sexual gratification. There is no way to
predict when such an event and association will occur.

Members of society at large can reduce the incidence of voyeurism by
drawing curtains, dropping blinds or closing window curtains. Reducing
opportunities for voyeurism may reduce the practice.